Since 1994 SAFILM attracts film lovers, and our audiences include press, filmmakers, industry leaders and die-hard fans. The San Antonio Film Festival sets up an amazing, creative innovative environment for just a few days every year where opportunities for one-on-one networking abound, connections are forged and filmmakers have a slew of unique opportunities to share ideas and advance their careers. As an accessible and inclusive platform for cinema artists, the San Antonio Film Festival also brings together scores of new and original films from across the country and around the world to delight, elevate and edify cinema lovers as well.

As a platform for filmmakers to express the full diversity of their cinematic voices, SAFILM provides aspiring and veteran filmmakers the opportunity to present their work in a competitive, energizing environment.

Every year, we also highlight independent films and filmmakers from around the world that helps generate an even more inviting atmosphere for cultural exchange and continued creativity. We nurture, foster and develop filmmakers of all ages. Filmmakers of all ages from every corner of the globe participate every year.

ABOUT THE SAN ANTONIO FILM FESTIVAL

The SAFILM-San Antonio Film Festival recently celebrated its 24TH Anniversary with a free community screening at the Pearl Stable and a weeklong celebration of independent films with star-studded red carpets at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts – the city’s ultramod theater.

SAFILM-San Antonio Film Festival brings independent films and film industry professionals to San Antonio from across the nation and around the world, nurturing filmmakers of all ages and increasing appreciation of the arts through cinema for local audiences and guests to San Antonio. They work hard to capture the creative spark and sizzle of the Alamo City with screenings at the historic Pearl Brewery and spectacular after-parties in the heart of downtown San Antonio to offer a variety of experiences that showcase all the unique cultural offerings our city offers.

The film festival accepts films from artists at every level – and provides arenas for student competitions at high school and college levels to work from seasoned industry pros. Both aspiring and veteran filmmakers get to present their work in a friendly, competitive and energizing environment.

A special feature of this film festival is the emphasis on education and mentoring. Free workshops to educate new filmmakers about how to succeed in the business, about acting, writing, directing and marketing indies and practical information about legal issues and how to get funding are a huge part of SAFILM every year – and SAFILM finds qualified industry pros to share their wisdom. Festival panels cover past success stories, with script to screen advice. Because the staff is comprised of filmmakers themselves, SAFILM understands the importance in educating about all aspects of filmmaking.

Celebrities who believe in independent film abound at this Film Festival – offering unparalleled networking opportunities for all attendees. Numerous film industry professional producers, directors, writers, actors attended the 2017 Festival including, Harry J. Ufland, Lou Diamond Phillips, Quinton Aaron, Wes Studi, Marcia Nasatir, Anne Goursaud just to name a few in Q&A sessions, in screenings and in panels. Even Festival volunteers shared they learn the ins-and-outs of running a film festival and get to meet and work with visiting actors, producers and directors that screen with the Alamo City’s official film fest.

SAFILM-San Antonio Film Festival is already accepting film submissions for all categories of the 2019 San Antonio Film Festival. Save money by submitting early through filmfreeway.com, where you can find the actual entry fees for each deadline:
• Nov. 30, 2018 (Early Bird) $25 Entry Fee
• February 22, ​2019 (Regular) $35 Entry Fee
• March 29, ​2019 (Late Deadline) $75 Entry Fee
• April 26, 201​9 (Extended Late Deadline) $90 Entry Fee

Be part of the 2019 SAFILM-San Antonio Film Festival and take advantage of one of the most accessible and inclusive platforms for cinema artists in the seventh largest city in the U.S.

Get your work of art noticed by high profile media and showcased to diverse audiences and industry pros from around the world and network with today’s best artists and the next generation of cinema pros. For more information, visit www.SAFILM.com.

INSIDE INFO FOR OUR READERS: SAFILM-San Antonio Film Festival is a volunteer-powered nonprofit and cannot offer waivers for entry fees.

Those who attend and filmmakers who get the chance to screen their films at SAFILM enjoy SOLD OUT SCREENINGS, SPONSORED AFTER-PARTIES and STRONG COMMUNITY SUPPORT because the San Antonio Film Festival is still grassroots -- but recognized as the place to find the newest talent.

Remember the San Antonio Film Festival is an affordable film festival - SAFILM works with the top local hotels for special rates for our guests, so attendees can take advantage of DISCOUNTED FESTIVAL HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS within walking distance of our busiest venues.

THE 2019 SAN ANTONIO FILM FESTIVAL RUNS FROM JULY 31 - AUGUST 4, 2019.

Join us in San Antonio this AUGUST for the most memorable summer with 2019 SAFILM!

SCREENPLAY/TELEPLAY COMPETITION
​TWO CATEGORIES: ​
1) FEATURE screenplays must be between 65 and 125 pages in length. ​N​o exceptions.
2) SHORT screenplays must be between 1 and 49 pages in length.​..N​o exceptions.

There is no limit to the number of ​different ​screenplays you may submit.
​
Please note:
​All entries must be uploaded in PDF format.​ ​Substitutions of corrected pages or ​(gasp!) ​new drafts of the entry screenplay ​will not be accepted under any circumstances. ​Screenplay titles cannot be changed ​once submitted​.​

Eligibility
Submitted scripts must be original screenplays, and the sole property of the applicant(s). All ages are eligible. All entries must be in English. Screenplays​ ​that have previously won any contest, competition, grant, lab, fellowship, mentorship, reading or award of any kind, are not eligible. Screenplays submitted under a pen name will be immediately disqualified. If a submitted screenplay becomes optioned, produced or purchased between the time of submission and the end of the judging period, that screenplay will no longer be eligible. ​SAFILM- San Antonio Film Festival Screenplay/Teleplay​ Competition judges​ and readers are not eligible to enter.

Awards & Prizes

The San Antonio Film Festival will give 14 FILM awards this year.

1. Grand Prize
2. Jury Prize for Best Performance
3. Jury Prize for Best Narrative Short
4. Jury Prize for Best Documentary Short
5. Jury Prize for best Historical Documentary
6. Jury Prize for Best Animated Short
7.Jury Prize for Best MUSIC VIDEO
8. Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature
9. Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature
10. Best College Filmmaker
11. Best High School Filmmaker
12. Best San Antonio Filmmaker
13. Best Actress in a Leading Role
14. Lifetime Achievement Award

SCREENPLAY/TELEPLAY COMPETITION - 2 Awards
Each applicant will receive an e-mail notifying them of the writing competition results.

SCRIPT Competition Results Announcement Schedule

Semi-Finalists will be announced ​June 22, 2019.

The FEATURE screenplay Winner & The SHORT screenplay Winner will be announced at the SAFILM-San Antonio Film Festival Awards ceremony (AUGUST 3, 2019).

Rules & Terms

GENERAL RULES

FOR DEADLINES, RULES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT safilm.com or email SAFILM at safilm@gmail.com Expect an emailed confirmation when we receive your entry. Please add our email (safilm@gmail.com) to your address book to make sure you receive our notifications.

Accepted FILM entries will be announced via the website www.safilm.com by July 4, 2019. ***As the review process is quite extensive, please do not call our office regarding status.

Are fee waivers available for students and struggling artists? No. Unfortunately, we cannot offer fee waivers.

When you submit your film to San Antonio Film Festival, you agree to the following statement and SAFILM terms and conditions:

I represent and warrant that the materials represented as examples of my work are original with me, that I am the sole owner and author of the materials and that I have the exclusive right and authority to submit the materials to SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival upon the terms and conditions set forth herein and to grant all rights in and to the materials. In the event of an award shared by two people (ie director) then if a a second award is requested then the second award must be ordered through safilm.com (Duplicate Award Order Form). Furthermore, I represent that I have the right to submit the materials in which I collaborated as defined in my application.

I have retained at least one copy of the materials, and I understand that the materials and sample works submitted WILL NOT BE RETURNED. I hereby release SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival of and from any and all liability and responsibility for loss of, damage to, preservation or return of the copy submitted to SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival here under.

• More than one entry may be submitted. The official submission form and entry fee must accompany each entry.
• If your film is selected, you will be asked to provide stills from the film; press materials; headshot and filmography of director; video trailer link. Please do not send in press materials until asked to do so by the festival.
• All film entries selected for the Festival grant SAFILM the rights to use footage, stills and/or titles and information from the film for promotional purposes.
• All films submitted must be free from any legal disputes and the filmmaker must have cleared all rights for music and exhibition. I am the owner of this said entry and/or I grant permission to submit and/or screen this entry to SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival. I grant permission to use clips of my film, if accepted, for promotional purposes of SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival. This is not a contract for distribution. All entries will be considered and judged by professionals. I have read, understand, and will comply with the guidelines of the festival. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND EXHIBITION FORMATS
I. To be eligible for consideration, all films must be available in one of the following theatrical presentation formats if selected to be screened at the Festival: DIGITAL COPY. ONLY NTSC is accepted and there is no recommendation or restriction on frame rate.

II. Films must not have been previously screened commercially in San Antonio, Texas or available on the Internet prior to JULY 31, 2019.

III. Films must be in their original language with English subtitles, if the original language is not English.

All submissions must be sent prepaid. SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival cannot accept collect or cash-on-delivery shipments.

1. SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival will not assume responsibility for, nor will it accept, shipments incurring expenses for terminal charges, duties, taxes or customs brokerage. Clearly indicate on all waybills that transportation and customs charges be billed to the sender.
2. You can obtain confirmation of delivery through the postal tracking service.
3. Shipping Address:
ATTN: Submissions
SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival
8452 Fredericksburg Rd., PMB #264
San Antonio, Texas
78229

PLEASE NOTE: Preview DVDs/Blu Rays WILL NOT BE RETURNED.

THE SELECTION

The Festival programming team selects and schedules all films presented at SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival. Filmmakers selected to participate will be notified during July 2019. ALL Filmmakers not selected will be notified by email.

For more information regarding SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival, please visit safilm.com, contact Film Submissions by phone at 210-885-5888, or email us at safilm@gmail.com

GENERAL RULES
Feature Length Films
The San Antonio Film Festival is looking for narrative, animation, documentary, or experimental feature films and accepts feature-length submissions more than 40 minutes in length for consideration for inclusion in our 2019 program.
Short Films
The San Antonio Film Festival is looking for narrative, animation, documentary, or experimental feature films and accepts short film submissions less than 40 minutes in length for consideration for inclusion in our 2019 short film program.
College Films
San Antonio Film Festival seeks narrative, animation, documentary or experimental features or shorts made by College Students.
High School Films
Films made by high school students.
Films made in San Antonio
San Antonio Film Festival seeks films made in Bexar County.

THE SAN ANTONIO FILM FESTIVAL MISSION & OBJECTIVE
SAFILM attracts film lovers, and our audiences include press, filmmakers, industry leaders and die-hard fans. The San Antonio Film Festival sets up an amazing, creative innovative environment for just a few days every year where opportunities for one-on-one networking abound, connections are forged and filmmakers have a slew of unique opportunities to share ideas and advance their careers. As an accessible and inclusive platform for cinema artists, the San Antonio Film Festival also brings together scores of new and original films from across the country and around the world to delight, elevate and edify cinema lovers as well.
As a platform for filmmakers to express the full diversity of their cinematic voices, SAFILM provides aspiring and veteran filmmakers the opportunity to present their work in a competitive, energizing environment.
Every year, we also highlight independent films and filmmakers from around the world that helps generate an even more inviting atmosphere for cultural exchange and continued creativity. We nurture, foster and develop filmmakers of all ages. Filmmakers of all ages from every corner of the globe participate every year.
ABOUT THE SAN ANTONIO FILM FESTIVAL
We invite you to party with us on the red carpet as we celebrate a milestone in 2019:
The 25th YEAR of SAFILM in the Alamo City. Nothing compares to the explosion of independent film in the heart of San Antonio for six fantastic days with five screens throughout the Alamo City from JULY 31 - August 4, 2019.

In 2018, SAFILM garnered outstanding media coverage from local television, radio and newspapers, including extensive coverage from the San Antonio Current and the San Antonio Express-News. Overall, the festival screened more than 138 films.
While there is plenty of media coverage for the festival and the celebrities, your work, the independent films that make it into SAFILM, get tons of area news coverage - INCLUDING TELEVISION, NEWSPAPER, RADIO, BILLBOARD and SOCIAL MEDIA coverage.
San Antonio film critics regularly review numerous feature and short films for the festival so filmmakers have even more opportunities for documented recognition and special attention for their entries. The San Antonio Film Festival works hard to connect you with opportunities to publicize your film.
MORE REASONS TO SUBMIT YOUR FILM TO SAFILM THIS YEAR:
Former SAFILM Alumni often remark how the SAFILM was the springboard to success, and even seasoned filmmakers love the warmth and opportunities SAFILM yields. Quote from 2018 filmmaker - "SAFILM was truly one of my most memorable festival experiences. An intensive week watching wonderful films, enjoying super fun parties, learning and being challenged at exclusive workshops, and spending quality time with amazing filmmakers, many of which I now call my friends. Also, the hospitality team was awesome and the networking was outstanding. What else can I say? Submit, submit, submit, and if you make it in, make it a point to be there :)" Romina Schwedler; The Visit.

Those who attend and filmmakers who get the chance to screen their films at SAFILM enjoy SOLD OUT SCREENINGS, SPONSORED AFTER-PARTIES and STRONG COMMUNITY SUPPORT because the San Antonio Film Festival is still grassroots -- but recognized as the place to find the newest talent.
Remember the San Antonio Film Festival is an affordable film festival - SAFILM works with the top local hotels for special rates for our guests, so attendees can take advantage of DISCOUNTED FESTIVAL HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS within walking distance of our busiest venues.

GENERAL RULES
FOR DEADLINES, RULES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT safilm.com or email SAFILM at safilm@gmail.com Expect an emailed confirmation when we receive your entry. Please add our email (safilm@gmail.com) to your address book to make sure you receive our notifications.
Accepted entries will be announced via the website www.safilm.com by July 4, 2019. ***As the review process is quite extensive, please do not call our office regarding status.
Are fee waivers available for students and struggling artists? No. Unfortunately, we cannot offer fee waivers.
When you submit your film to San Antonio Film Festival, you agree to the following statement and SAFILM terms and conditions:
I represent and warrant that the materials represented as examples of my work are original with me, that I am the sole owner and author of the materials and that I have the exclusive right and authority to submit the materials to SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival upon the terms and conditions set forth herein and to grant all rights in and to the materials. Furthermore, I represent that I have the right to submit the materials in which I collaborated as defined in my application.
I have retained at least one copy of the materials, and I understand that the materials and sample works submitted WILL NOT BE RETURNED. I hereby release SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival of and from any and all liability and responsibility for loss of, damage to, preservation or return of the copy submitted to SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival hereunder.
• DVDs must be labeled clearly with the title, running time and contact information (including name, address and phone number).
• More than one entry may be submitted. The official submission form and entry fee must accompany each entry.
• If your film is selected, you will be asked to provide stills from the film; press materials; headshot and filmography of director; B&W and/or color and video trailer (if available). Please do not send in press materials until asked to do so by the festival.
• For confirmation your entry was received by SAFILM, please include a self-addressed stamped postcard.
• All film entries selected for the Festival grant SAFILM the rights to use footage, stills and/or titles and information from the film for promotional purposes.
• All films submitted must be free from any legal disputes and the filmmaker must have cleared all rights for music and exhibition. I am the owner of this said entry and/or I grant permission to submit and/or screen this entry to SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival. I grant permission to use clips of my film, if accepted, for promotional purposes of SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival. This is not a contract for distribution. All entries will be considered and judged by professionals. I have read, understand, and will comply with the guidelines of the festival. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

OWNERSHIP/RIGHTS
Does the writer maintain rights to the screenplay?
Yes, all screenwriters who submit to the SAFILM-San Antonio Screenplay Competition maintain the rights to their works.
Can anyone have access to the screenplay once submitted?
No, submitted screenplays are only accessible to the reader assigned to that specific screenplay and our staff. We do not own the rights to the submitted screenplays, so we do not distribute them publicly in any way.
Does my script have to be registered? No, however we do recommend registering your work with the WGA and/or the Library of Congress Copyright office.

ADAPTATIONS
Do you accept adapted screenplays?
Yes, we accept and welcome adapted screenplays. However, screenwriters who wish to submit an adapted screenplay must possess all rights to the source material or use source material in the public domain.
My screenplay is based off of a work in the public domain, may I still enter it in your competition?
Yes, we allow screenplays adapted from works in the public domain.
​NOTE: All screenplays must be original works and the sole property of the applicant(s). Scripts containing fictional characters, settings, or other aspects gleaned from another author’s work are ineligible for our competition.

Must I provide documentation that I own all the rights to the source material?
We reserve the right to ask for verification that you own all the rights to the source material of an adapted work. Failure to provide verification if requested will result in the screenplay becoming ineligible for our competition.
Can I base my screenplay on historical events? Can my screenplay be based on a true story?
Yes!

​MULTIPLE SUBMISSIONS
Can one writer submit multiple scripts to the competition?
Yes, writers may submit as many
​ different scripts as they'd like.​
Can I submit both a feature length script and a short script?
Yes, writers may submit to both categories.
Can I submit two versions of the same screenplay as two separate entries?
No. We will only accept one version of the script as a regular submission
​
OTHER ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS
Do you allow screenplays with multiple authors?
Yes, we allow screenplays with more than one author.
Can I submit a script that has previously been optioned?
No. If a submitted screenplay​ ​is​ ​optioned, produced or purchased at any point before the end of the judging period, that screenplay is ineligible for our competition.
​
PEN NAMES are a no-no ...​
Can I submit a screenplay under a pen name?
No, we do not accept pen names.
If I were to win the competition and do not want my real name publicized to protect my privacy, ​can I request that SAFILM use only my pen name in association with any publicizing of my winning script?
If your screenplay advances in the competition and appears published on our site, you may inform us of the name you would like to use. However, we stress that for our application process, we do not allow pen names under any circumstances – all screenwriters must use their legal name on all submitted materials and applications.

AGE REQUIREMENTS
Do you have to be over the age of 18 to submit a screenplay?​ ​No, writers of all ages are encouraged to enter our competition.
I am under the age of 18. Can I submit my screenplay to the competition for free?
No, all entrants must pay the entry fees for their screenplays.
Can beginners join the competition or is this just for experienced writers?​ ​We welcome submissions from screenwriters at all levels of experience – from beginner to veteran. Whether ​this is your first screenplay or your ​fifty-first, we look forward to reading your work.

58 Reviews

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

Jimmy Willden

What an experience! The films were amazing, and meeting all of the other filmmakers made the weekend unforgettable. I can't wait for 2019!

RAUSHNI SRIVASTAVA

A.P. Gonzalez

This is an outstanding film festival for filmmakers in the beautiful city of San Antonio. The organizers and the volunteers are friendly, warm and plenty of fun. I met so many valuable people at the festival -- filmmakers and others. Networking opportunities are excellent.

Gerry Melendez

Although I was unable to attend I had wonderful communication with festival organizers. They were extremely supportive. My film's designer was able to attend our screening and she came away impressed by the festival and its quality. Looking forward to submitting again in the future.

Tailgate Films

Had a great time with my film Thou Shall Not Tailgate. Really enjoyed the new filmmaker lounge across from the Tobin Center and the networking opportunities it offered. Great round table discussions with Hollywood veterans and down home after parties that kept me out way too late. Thanks to Adam Rocha and his tireless team for making this a great fest!

Short Films
The San Antonio Film Festival is looking for narrative, animation, documentary, or experimental short film submissions less than 40 minutes in length for consideration for inclusion in our 2019 short film program.

Films made in San Antonio
San Antonio Film Festival seeks films made in Bexar County.
Films must not have been previously screened commercially in San Antonio, Texas or available on the Internet prior to August 1, 2019.

CAR THEMED Short or Feature Films
The San Antonio Film Festival is looking for narrative, animation, documentary, or experimental CAR THEMED Short or Feature Films submissions for consideration for inclusion in our 2019 film program.

NEW in 2018 -- Food Films Category
In conjunction with San Antonio, UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, SAFILM-San Antonio Film Festival is accepting narrative, animation, documentary and experimental food-themed short and feature film length submissions for consideration for inclusion in our 2019 program.